The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eliminating bandits, terrorists, and other criminal elements in Nigeria’s Northwest region. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday in Sokoto, Matawalle emphasized the government’s determination to restore lasting peace in the region.
Matawalle explained that his return to Sokoto was part of a directive from President Bola Tinubu to oversee and coordinate security operations aimed at defeating these criminal groups.
“As directed by Mr. President, I am back in Sokoto to coordinate the task of flushing out bandits and other criminals. Our troops have achieved significant progress, killing notorious gang leaders and members in various locations. We are seeing signs of relative peace, particularly in Sokoto, Zamfara, and Katsina States,” he said.
The Minister expressed confidence in the ongoing military campaign, “Operation Fansan Yamma,” which has been actively fighting criminal elements in the Northwest. He also assured the public that the federal government would continue to support security efforts, vowing that the people of the region would not be abandoned.
“We will never leave you alone in this fight. Be assured that we will win the war against bandits and their supporters who have been terrorizing the region,” Matawalle said.
He praised the military and other security agencies for their sacrifices and hard work, acknowledging the challenges they face in combating insecurity. He also expressed gratitude to Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu for his support, calling for further collaboration between the federal and state governments to ensure total success.
“We must work together, using both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, to bring these bandits down. We will not be intimidated or distracted by their propaganda or blackmail. Our mission is clear: to secure the lives and properties of our people,” Matawalle stated.
Matawalle’s return follows his visit to Sokoto in September, alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, to execute President Tinubu’s directive to flush out bandits in the region.